Help picking paint sprayer

[MavDog]

I would like to start using a sprayer to finish my projects instead of a brush so I can get a better looking finish and eventually get it done faster also.  I don't have a lot of money to spend so I am looking for a basic unit that would work good for finishes like SW wall and wood primer and pro classic paint.  Those are what I will be using on a built-in desk and locker unit I have to finish.  Would like something that would also work for clear finishes.  Since I will be spraying mainly in my garage it will be waterborne products that I would use.  Would HVLP or airless be better?  Here are two sprayers in my price range that I was looking at.  Would either of these be good for me? http://www.rockler.com/hvlp-spray-system http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/contractor/truecoat-plus-ii.html  Thanks for your help.

 

[Sparktrician]

Be aware that the Graco sprayers are very good, but more appropriate for larger surfaces in that they move a lot of material very quickly, even when you use the smaller orifice spray tips.  You might be far better off getting a 3-5-stage HVLP unit instead. 

 

[johnleve]

If you want to spray latex you need at least a 3 stage turbine, if not a 4.  I purchased a 4 stage Fuji and really like it but you're talking about $700+ for that type of system.  The less expensive ones might work well for a water based poly or stains, basically anything really thin, but are not likely to get you good results on anything thick.  Even with the 4 stage I have to thin latex quite a bit before it will come out nicely.  You might also look at something like the General Finishes milk paint, it is thick put for some reason sprays extremely well, something about the structure.  Not sure if it would work with a single stage system or not.  I have not heard great things about the airless sprayers that are handheld and once you get to the large ones with hoses they you're talking about painting a room and either wasting the paint in the tubing or spending a lot of time to recover it and clean the unit.

I would suggest painting with a brush and using a flow aid to help smooth out the finish unless you're willing to spend more.

 

[Ivanhoe]

Do you own a compressor?  I went with an LVLP system from Homestead finishing products - Qualspray AM-6008 http://homesteadfinishingproducts.com/products-we-offer/hvlp-spray-equipment/qualspray-hvlp-guns/ It's a bit above your example $$ wise but is well worth it IMO.

This works with my home compressor and I have shot lots of Sherwin Williams Pro Classic, and General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane, both water based products with very good results. The owner of HS Finishing products (Jeff Jewitt)  is an author of fine finishing books and will answer your questions by email and phone! He was a great source for me when I was just beginning and I highly recommend him. (no affiliation for the record)

Good luck!

 

[johnleve]

Two very good points

1.  If you have a LARGE compressor go with a conversion gun, just make sure you know what kind of CFM you have access to and what the gun requires.  I only have a small compressor and it was not an option for me but I did seriously consider getting a large compressor and a conversion gun but decided I wanted something more portable.

2.  Jeff Jewitt is a great person to order from and has a great book on spray finishing

 

[tiralie]

Would HVLP or airless be better?

Depends on future needs which I know are hard to predict.

Here are two sprayers in my price range that I was looking at.  Would either of these be good for me?

I don't think you will be that happy with the Rockler HVLP system. The Earlex 550 is a better system, it's on sale and is in the same price range as the Graco.
The Wood Whisperer, Marc Spagnolo uses one for his work.

I have not used the Graco so cannot comment.

I would always advise folks to save money for a better system.
You can get great finishes with a brush and/or roller.

Tim

 

[duburban]

graco 5 stage hvlp. bought mine this summer and couldn't be happier with it. Killer finish without fuss.

 

[MavDog]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I should save up some more money first. What are the differences between HVLP and airless?  Why would you use one over the other? 

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I should save up some more money first. What are the differences between HVLP and airless?  Why would you use one over the other?

Airless if just that, fluid delivered without any air pressure. All of the pressure on the fluid comes from a high pressure pump moving the fluid. The tip is very restrictive, cut pattern and size determines how fine the fluid will break up.

HVLP, is a high volume of air delivering the fluid at a low pressure. A small amount of the air is diverted  to pressurize the fluid container, this gets the fluid to the nozzle. The high volume of air at the air cap atomizes the fluid.

I use a Fuji Q4 with a PPS system or pressure pot (dependent on volume of material and viscosity). I also own an airless sprayer and an air assisted airless. May be getting a C.A.T. pump in the near future.

In (very) general, airless sprayers are better for thicker material, over larger areas, the HVLP works well with lower viscosity material in finer finish applications. To a (limited) point they are interchangeable.

I would not invest in the Rockler offering, I'm not a fan of that Graco (I do own other Graco units that are great) unit. I know other who are.

Tom

 

[duburban]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I should save up some more money first. What are the differences between HVLP and airless?  Why would you use one over the other?

Paint comes out of the nozzle around 3000 psi on an airless vs 9 or so psi on an hvlp.

 

[Bob Wolfe]

Last Fine Woodworking has a review of turbine systems that was a good read for someone looking for a unit. I have a Graco 9.5, used on one project, gun didn,t impress me with its settings and the unit is loud